The Winfield Area Chamber of Commerce is a local chamber without ties to either the Kansas or the U.S. Chambers of Commerce. We believe that being independent allows us the best opportunity
to serve our members with an unbiased approach to issues that are important to the local communities where we serve.

*Indicates these luncheons are co-hosted by the Arkansas City Area Chamber of Commerce and the Winfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

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The Cowley County Service Alliance held its first meeting on Feb. 8 with more than 70 attending. The mission of the group is to create community growth through coordinated efforts in service and philanthropy for a larger collective impact.

CCSA is asking clubs, organizations, civic groups, and non-profits who would like to be involved to complete the CCSA organization
submission form.

Contact the Winfield Chamber with questions.

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Chamber Activities This Week

Winfield Main Street Committee

Monday, April 9, 11:30 AM, Chamber office

Executive Committee

Tuesday, April 10, 10:30 AM, Chamber office

Legislative Forum

Tuesday, April 10, Noon, Community Center at Baden Square, 700 Gary St.

Please help us promote your business by sending us information to include in this section! Email information to admin@winfieldchamber.org and we will add it to this email blast. Information will need to be received each FRIDAY BY NOON in order to be included in the following week's news. Pictures and/or flyers must be in a .jpeg format please.

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Marc McKee to Speak at Southwestern College Honors Convocation

Dr. Marc McKee, associate teaching professor in creative writing at the University of Missouri, will be the featured speaker at Southwestern College's annual Honors Convocation Thursday, April 12, at 4 p.m., in the Richardson Performing Arts Center. There is no admission charge and the public is welcome to attend.

Although this is a traditional main campus program, professional studies learners who qualified for the Dean's Honor Roll for fall 2017 will be recognized on the printed program.

McKee received his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri in 2014, and teaches courses in composition, creative writing, and literature. He specializes in poetry, contemporary literature, and pop culture.

He is the author of "What Apocalypse?" which won the 2008 New Michigan Press/DIAGRAM chapbook prize, and four full-length collections, all published or forthcoming from Black Lawrence Press. His poems have appeared in publications such as "Academy of American Poets Poem a Day," "Boston Review," "Conduit, Copper Nickel," "Crazyhorse," "The Journal," "Pleiades," and others.

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Saturday, April 21

UNCORK THE MUSIC

Terry Quiett Band

Come hear the electric blues and rock sounds of the heartland's Terry Quiett Band! In the first performance of an outstanding 2018 Concert Series at Wheat State Wine Company, Terry Quiett will help us Uncork the Music and showcase his exceptional talents as a singer, songwriter and virtuoso instrumentalist.

$20 per car. (Want in free? Read about our Wine Club below!)

Gates open at 7:00 pm, Show starts at 8:00 pm.

Wheat State Wine, beer and food available for purchase.

Feel free to bring a picnic basket, no outside alcohol.

Limited seating available, so bring a lawn chair.

Unlimited amounts of fun!

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Southwestern College Founders Day Weekend April 13-14

Southwestern College graduates will be inducted into five halls of fame during the annual Founders Day weekend at Southwestern College Friday and Saturday, April 13 and 14.

The celebration will include recognition of inductees entering the Leaders in Service Hall of Fame for the Social Sciences, as well as the Fine Arts, Business, Scholars, and Educators Halls of Fame.

All of the induction ceremonies are open to the public at no cost, but there is a cost for associated meals and seating is limited for those meals. To make meal reservations, contact Charles McKinzie at (620) 222-1135.

Hall of fame festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 13, with dinner honoring the Leaders in Service Hall of Fame for the Social Sciences. The induction ceremony will begin at 6:15 p.m. Meal cost is $20.

On Saturday, April 14, the Fine Arts Hall of Fame breakfast will begin at 8 a.m. in Deets Library, followed immediately by the induction ceremony at 9 a.m. The ceremony will take place in Richardson Performing Arts Center. Meal cost is $15.

A brunch will be held for the Business Hall of Fame in Deets Library at 10 a.m., with the induction ceremony to begin at 11 a.m. in Richardson Performing Arts Center. Meal cost is $15.

At 12:45 p.m. in Deets Library, there will be a luncheon for the Educators and Scholars Hall of Fame inductees. Lunch cost is $20. At 1:30 p.m., the induction ceremony for the Educators Hall of Fame will begin. Immediately following the Educators ceremony (at approximately 2:30 p.m.) the Scholars Hall of Fame induction ceremony will begin.

Other events include:

Hall of Fame lecture presented by Jacob Goodson, assistant professor of philosophy at Southwestern College, Friday, April 13, at 2 p.m., in Mossman Hall room 101. The title of his lecture is "Is Hope Still Possible in the 21st Century?" He is the author of "Narrative Theology and the Hermeneutical Virtues: Humility, Patience, Prudence" and the forthcoming "Strength of Mind: Courage, Hope, Freedom, Knowledge." He has co-edited two books: "Rorty and the Religious: Christian Engagements with a Secular Philosopher," with Brad Elliott Stone, and "The Universe Is Indifferent: Theology, Philosophy, Mad Men," with Ann W. Duncan. He serves as the general editor for the "Journal of Scriptural Reasoning." He holds a Ph. D from the University of Virginia.

The Southwestern College theatre department will present the Tony-award-winning classic musical "Guys and Dolls" on Friday and Saturday, April 13 and 14, at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, April 15, at 2 p.m., in the Richardson Performing Arts Center.

By demonstrating continued dedication to high-impact educational practices, Southwestern College has been named as one of the nation's Colleges of Distinction.

Colleges of Distinction recognizes institutions of higher education that create unique learning environments where students not only earn college credit and valuable life experience, but also participate in character-building community-based learning programs, service learning programs, diversity and global learning programs, intensive writing courses, collaborative assignments and projects, undergraduate research, study abroad programs, and internships.

"We are truly honored to name Southwestern College as a College of Distinction for its continued commitment to student success," said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer for Colleges of Distinction. "Colleges of Distinction applauds Southwestern College for providing an up-to-date curriculum, enriching the college experience with high-impact educational practices, and fostering a commitment to provide its students with an education that stretches far beyond what's typically required from an academic major."

The selection process at Colleges of Distinction requires that institutions adhere to four distinctions: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community, and successful outcomes. This process also includes an interview with institutional leadership and review of each institution's freshman experience as well as its general education program, strategic plan, alumni success, satisfaction measures.

"While we're certainly proud to be recognized for the high-impact work happening across campus in classrooms, on practice fields, and during service learning activities, what really matters and what really is distinctive about Southwestern is the change that this pedagogical approach effects in the lives of our students and their families," said Southwestern College President Brad Andrews. "We're proud to help students recognize their potential and define their purpose- preparing capable and adaptable graduates who are driven to serve their communities and make a difference in the world is our greatest tradition."

Colleges of Distinction doesn't assign a ranking, instead they elevate institutions that meet the criteria for selection by featuring profiles on their website and in the organization's guidebook.

"Colleges of Distinction is much more than an annual ranking of colleges and universities. Our goal is to select schools that are 100% focused on the student experience, driven to produce well-rounded graduates who are prepared for a global society and economy," said Schritter.

Since 2000, the Colleges of Distinction website and guidebook have recognized and honored schools throughout the U.S. for excellence in undergraduate-focused higher education. The member schools in the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their focus on the undergraduate experience. The website and annual guidebooks provide college profiles, tools, and resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information visit CollegesofDistinction.com.

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SC Commencement to be Held May 13

The schedule of activities for Southwestern College spring graduation has been announced and includes events on April 12 (Honors Convocation) and May 13 (Commencement).

The opening event of the season is Honors Convocation Thursday, April 12, at 4 p.m. in the Richardson Performing Arts Center. Although this is a traditional main campus program, professional studies learners who qualified for the fall 2017 Dean's Honor Roll will be recognized.

Commencement ceremonies on May 13 will be held in Richardson Performing Arts Center and in Richard L. Jantz Stadium. Commencement times include:

2:30 p.m.- Undergraduate Commencement (Jantz Stadium). In case of inclement weather, this ceremony will be moved to Stewart Field House. Commencement day weather-related announcements will be posted on www.sckans.edu/campus and on social media sites.

Additional events on May 13 include Baccalaureate and induction ceremonies for Order of the Mound.

Baccalaureate will be at 10 a.m. in Richardson Performing Arts Center. Devices to assist those with hearing problems are available in the Richardson box office, and an area is reserved for handicapped patrons and their companions.

Inductees to the Order of the Mound will be honored 11:30 a.m. at the Cole Mound Plaza (in case of inclement weather, in Messenger Recital Hall in the Darbeth Fine Arts Building). The Order of the Mound recognizes students graduating in the top 10% of the class.

Undergraduate Commencement activities will be broadcast live on closed circuit television on the Southwestern campus as well as online at
www.moundbuilder.com. Viewing location will be the Richardson Performing Arts Center in the Christy Administration Building.

Parking for graduation day will be available for persons with handicap permits in the parking lot between Christy Administration Building and Roy L. Smith Student Center. Security personnel will assist in finding parking and by providing rides on golf carts from outlying parking lots.

Join our 2018 Coupon Program for $25 and receive great deals and save big each month through the entire year! You'll also receive a free pot and a set of gardening gloves (pictured above)! Get started this season! Stop by our Nursery & Garden Center today and start saving.

Save the date! Join us for a relaxing evening outside full of food, drinks and DIY Classes! So grab a friend and come on out for a fun night! From cute containers and fairy gardens to helpful garden tips, these garden art projects and practical DIYs will enhance any backyard/home! Classes include:- Succulent Wine Corks- Mini Succulent Pots- Fairy Garden- Painting Class- Wooden flower/herb box- Water features- Planting basics- Painted rocks